We have several 1/4 inch tape reels that are the "production masters" for a
series of LPs that were produced in the 70s that we want to digitize for
archiving and possible reissue. Most are made up of segments cut directly
from the original 1st generation master recordings and spliced together with
paper leader. The tape stocks vary from cut to cut and several segments
have developed sticky shed and require baking to get a proper reproduction.
Almost all of the splices are badly joined, are failing and will all need to
be redone to get a smooth ride through the transport without hanging up or
mistracking.

That said, I'd like to know what thoughts there are on eliminating the
leader tape that seperates the individual cuts. Smooth transitions can be
made and silence added in software. What are the pros and cons of joining
the segments of different tape stock directly as opposed to inserting paper
leader for long time storage conditions??

Also still looking for a supplier of good quality 1/4 inch splicing tape.